Free Printable fill in the blank Thank yous

http://printable.tipjunkie.com/kids-thank-you-note-free-printable/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ExecutiveHomemaker+%28Free+Printables+from+Tip+Junkie%29&utm_content=FaceBook



This will make the aftermath of Christmas easier!!  ;)

3 crockpot recipes from babycenter.com

http://blogs.babycenter.com/life_and_home/3-crock-pot-recipes-to-ring-in-the-new-year/

3 recipes for the crockpot!  Sound yummy!

Fun New Year eve ideas

http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2010/12/ideas-for-5-last-minute-new-years-eve.html

This site has some wonderful ideas for New Year's Eve!!!  Have a wonderful time celebrating!  Maybe this site can help!!

FANTASTIC IDEAS!!

http://www.whattoexpect.com/photo-gallery/fun-indoor-activities-for-toddlers-and-parents.aspx

This website has some fantastic indoor fun ideas for toddlers!  I can't wait to try some!  It also includes some ways to make them appropriate for older kiddos.  Check them out!

Printable paper for paper chain!

http://printable.tipjunkie.com/printable-paper-chains/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ExecutiveHomemaker+%28Executive+Homemaker+-+Free+Printables%29&utm_content=FaceBook

Go to this website to download cute paper to make paper chains!  There are 6 fun patterns to choose from! 

Fun Christmas ideas!

http://familyfun.go.com/christmas/christmas-decorations/christmas-ornaments/

This website has a ton of Christmas dec ideas!  Most are for older kiddos so keep that in mind.  There is one idea about a holiday time capsule that I think is really fun.  Check them out!

fun idea to make with toddlers on up!

http://babyparenting.about.com/cs/activities/ht/ca_ornament.htm

This is a wonderful recipe to make cinnamon Applesauce ornaments!  I have had some for years (I keep in my freezer between holidays) and they still smell great!  Since it is just made out of cinnamon and applesauce it is safe for little ones to work with.

bird seed ornament

http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/12/how-to_bird_seed_ornaments_for.html

Here are some directions for bird seed ornaments to hang outside!



I think these are really cute! 

Swiss Colony

I was watching Unwrapped on Food Network and they shared about this wonderful company.  Well watching it made my mouth water and I checked out the website!  Check them out!  The cheeses and desserts look fantastic!!  YUM!!!! I may have to make an order so I can enjoy winter break in style and yumminess!

http://www.swisscolony.com/home.jsp

Free Christmas printables

http://printable.tipjunkie.com/fa-la-la-print-free-printable/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ExecutiveHomemaker+%28Executive+Homemaker+-+Free+Printables%29&utm_content=FaceBook

This website has some cute printable Christmas items. 

another joy in my life

Gianna will be a big sister this summer!!!!  Our due date is June 12!  I could not be more excited for our expanding family!  What a joy and a blessing!!!

Sweet Potatoes

http://blogs.babycenter.com/life_and_home/sweet-potatoes-in-orange-cups/




YUMMY!!!!!  I this this sweet potato recipe looks yummy for any time!  Check it out!

more thanksgiving ideas

https://ex.rockwood.k12.mo.us/owa/?ae=Item&a=Open&t=IPM.Note&id=RgAAAAB%2bowa3iexoTpAOpmyaYcZtBwDurzh71XAiTr%2bb08YytNXdAAAARWb0AAABABEWiFgqQaG4fy%2fiSRaRAE9bbu3WAAAJ

 Here are more creative and fun ideas for your thanksgiving table!  ENJOY!

discipline

http://www.babycenter.com/0_the-discipline-tool-kit-successful-strategies-for-every-age_1475318.bc

I thought this website gave some great tips for discipline at every age. 

sorry

Sorry it has been a bit since I have posted.  I have recently got a new computer.  I did not realize what a huge under taking that is to switch everything over!  I am still no where near done!  Oh well.  I hope to get back on track soon!

Thanksgiving bunting

http://networkedblogs.com/awzrl





How cute will this be decorating your house for Thanksgiving!  The website gives directions on how to make it.  I think you could do it even easier by creating it with construction paper. 

thought

Sometimes the biggest hugs come from the people with the smallest arms! 

Interesting idea for an angry pimple

I found this tip in the All You Magazine and I thought it looked interesting.  I have not tried it yet but it might not hurt the next time an angry pimple rears it's ugly head!

Freeze a cotton swab soaked with Visine, then place on the blemish until the solution defrosts.  The coldness reduces swelling while the formula zaps the redness. 

Thanksgiving craft ideas

http://www.allyou.com/budget-home/crafts/thanksgiving-crafts-00411000069787/

 

This is just one of the cute ideas on the All You website.  Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time for family I feel crafts make sense to entertain all the young ones and the young at heart!  Check out all the ideas!

great ideas for a 12 month old

I got these ideas from babycenter.com.  This website is amazing you have to check it out if you haven't already!

Let's Play! String-Along & Package Play


Reviewed by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board

Last updated: June 2009


String-Along

Small round objects are extra-enticing now that your baby is mastering
the "pincer grasp." Seize the chance to hone those fine motor skills while
also (hopefully) getting her to sit still for a little more breakfast than usual.
Appropriate for: 1 to 2 years
Skills developed: Fine motor, hand-eye coordination

What you'll need: A sturdy, short string, plastic cord, or shoelace; cereal-Os; a bracelet
On a highchair tray or nonbreakable plate, spread a thin layer of any kind
of O-shaped cereal with reasonably large holes. Then make a small
bracelet using a 6-inch piece of string or plastic cord (sold in craft stores).
Thread some Os on the string, then tie it around your baby's wrist.
Compare it to one of your own bracelets or necklaces, ideally one made
of beads that you can examine together. She'll feel like a big girl because
she's wearing "jewelry."

Safety note: Don't use a string longer than 6 inches; this can be a
strangling hazard. And supervise your baby while she's wearing her
cereal "bracelet."

Variation: As a special, occasional treat for an older child, this activity is a real thrill if the stringing is done with shoestring licorice and colorful "sugar cereal" with holes. Once she's finished, she can devour the entire bracelet.




Package Play

We all like getting presents, but for babies, the unwrapping the thing. There's both the thrill of discovery and the fun of making his fingers do what he wants. In this game, it doesn't seem to matter that the "present" is actually a bath toy he's been playing with for months – it's the element of surprise that counts.

Appropriate for: 8 months to 1 year

Skills developed: Hand-eye coordination, understanding of object permanence

What you'll need: A washcloth or two; some small plastic bath toys

At bath time, when your baby's seated in the bath but not looking right at you, use a wet washcloth to "wrap" a small bath toy, such as a rubber duckie or plastic dinosaur. Present him with the "package," saying, "I'm giving you a present." He'll unfold the washcloth, squeal with delight, and immediately want to do it again.

If you have two washcloths handy, you can start wrapping the next present while he's busy unwrapping the first one. As he gets older and his dexterity increases, he'll delight in wrapping such presents for you to open, a wonderful way to encourage his natural sense of generosity.

Remember: Each baby develops at a different pace, so if yours isn't quite ready for this week's activities, don't worry — just try them again in a few weeks.

A preview of Gianna's 1 year pictures

http://blog.sungazingphotography.com/?p=1201

You have to check out the preview of Gianna's 1 year pictures!  The photographer did a fantastic job once again!!!!

Dog themed Birthday Party

Gianna has turned 1 and we had a dog themed party for her!!!  Here are some pictures to show you what we did!  It was so much fun!

 This poster was hung at the turn for the party.

 This was the poster to let people know they made it to the right place!

PUPCAKES!!!!  LOVED THEM!!  I did not make them but a fantastic baker did!

I had pictures of big dogs on the floor for the kids to play with and color on.

I made big pictures of dogs to hang on the walls. 

 As gifts to the guests I found dog beanie babies and each kiddo was able to pick which puppy they wanted. 

Gianna's chair!

The bathrooms were downstairs so I made a poster to let people know that is where they needed to go.

Gianna was picking out her pupcake

Gianna had a puppy crown!

CAKE TIME!!

YUMMY!!!

This poster was hung along the road to the party.  Just to let the guests know they were on the right path.

Printable witch's shoe

http://www.executivehomemaker.com/halloween-paper-witch-shoes-printable/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ExecutiveHomemaker+%28Executive+Homemaker+-+Free+Printables%29&utm_content=FaceBook

This is super cute diy decoration!

silhouette

http://www.younghouselove.com/2010/10/head-shot/

I was wondering how to make a silhouette of Gianna but I did not know how to do it.  I found this great idea and directions online.  Check it out!

Go to this site to see some other ideas to do with a sihouette!
http://blogs.babycenter.com/life_and_home/cool-kid-silhouettes/

Ooey Gooey Green Blobs

http://blogs.babycenter.com/life_and_home/ooey-gooey-green-blobs/

Check this out!  A fun halloween craft!

SO CUTE CANDY BAR WRAPPER!

http://www.executivehomemaker.com/printable-candy-wrapper-template/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ExecutiveHomemaker+%28Executive+Homemaker+-+Free+Printables%29&utm_content=FaceBook


Go to this site to check out the cutest candy bar wrapper template!  Happy Haunting!

Did you know? Household tips

I was reading in Better Homes and Garden magazine and I came across these tips!

1. You can rub ordinary white candles on the bathroom grout to shield against mold and mildew.

2. You can put an Alka-Seltzer tablet in your toilet bowl for a quick fizzy clean!

3. You can clean the build up from your iron with aluminum foil.  Lay the foil out and iron on it.  The icky stuff from the iron will stick to the foil!

4. You can also use foil to get rid of cooking grease.  Line a mug with foil and pour the grease in.  Once it has cooled and solidifies, seal it in the foil and throw it away.

5. Tackle spilled food in the oven right away by pouring table salt over it.  the salt will form a crust that makes the food easy to wipe up.  They say this will also take away the burning smell!  Worth a shot!


Hope these tips help!

GHOSTS

I saw the cutest idea at Gianna's school today!  They used the babies' footprint (in white paint on black paper) to make the body of a ghost  With the toes pointed down they glued eyes on the heel part to create the ghost!  I will post pictures once we do it at home!  SO CUTE!!

PUMPKIN TIME

Hello everyone!  Gianna and I went to the pumpkin patch last weekend.  I wanted her to be able to decorate the little pumpkin she picked out.  So while I was at Target I bought stickers for her to stick on it.  I found some stickers that are for skin, they worked the best on the little pumpkin!!  Check them out in the Halloween section at Target!  I am sorry I don't have a picture but Gianna already took the pumpkin for the teachers at school. 

Tip for an antsy toddler needing a diaper change

I was just at a baby shower and another mom gave me a tip of giving a little piece of tape to your toddler when getting a diaper change.  This will keep them occupied when you are busy wiping down the necessary parts!  ;) 

kitchen idea

One of the cabinets in my kitchen now has toys in it just for Gianna.  This gives her something to do while I am making dinner.  It has been a big help so far!  Gianna is so proud of her cabinet; she shows everyone who comes over. 

to keep the bathroom door from being locked

If you drape a towel over the top of the bathroom door your toddler can't shut it and lock themselves in!

Printable Halloween Paper!

http://alittlehut.com/store/store/catalog/aFTEMP/alittlehut_halloweencards.pdf

Go to this site to print Halloween paper for kids!  Happy Haunting!

1st birthday party website

Those of you about to plan a first birthday here is a website that has a lot of decorations to help with the festivities!  1stwishes.com

Happy shopping!

bubbles aren't just for outside

I have started blowing bubbles with Gianna while she is in the bath tub!  She has so much fun watching them and popping them with her finger; especially the ones that float on the water!  Every age loves bubbles so it is enjoyable for me as well! 

noise shaker

So as Gianna was eating dinner I decided the house was not loud enough, I came up with a way to make a shaker.  I used an empty Gerber puffs container and added some hard pasta to the inside.  Then I duct taped the lid to the top.  Bingo Bango a shaker!  She got so excited when she was able to to play with it, which made me smile!  That is what is important!  ;)

Tips about the Dollar Store!

http://dollarstorecrafts.com/

I love walking through the Dollar Store (even though I don't do it very often), you never know what you are going to come across!  Here is a website of ideas and tips of things you can get at you local Dollar Store!

free nursing cover

Hey guys check this out! You can get a free nursing cover!!




www.uddercovers.com so you can get one nursing cover (regular price $32) free. You just pay the shipping. The code is "Family2010".

Hot dog octopus

Hot Dog Octopus: I made these for a friend's baby shower, the shower theme was favorite kid things.  To make the Octopus you need hot dogs, a knife, and boiling water.

1. Cut hot dog in half length-wise, leaving about 1" intact at the end.
2. Cut each of the long sections in half (lengthwise), then in half again - these are the legs.
3. Cut 2 little slits on the part  that is was left intact.  The 2 slits will be the eyes! 
4. Boil until legs' curl up and hot dog is cooked through.

Enjoy these yummy and fun treats!

http://www.food.com

Check out http://www.food.com/

I just found it and there are so many wonderful and family friendly recipes!  The other neat thing about this site is that you can change the serving size and the website changes the recipe for you!!  How convenient is that!!!  LOVE IT!

frozen yogurt

For the last few months Gianna will not let us feed her with a spoon so when I found out she needs more yogurt in her diet I was a little worried.  Then I saw a commercial for Gogurt and how you can freeze it and it will be thawed by lunch.  So what I thought was I can freeze it and then cut it into chunks for Gianna to feed herself!  IT WORKED!!  She is getting more yogurt and can feed herself! 

Tiring Out Your Toddler before He Exhausts You! - Naptime - Planning Family

Here is an article I thought was interesting about nap time and toddlers.


There isn't a mom of toddlers who doesn't crave the afternoon nap. As the coveted napping hour nears, mom is thinking about having the time to read her favorite magazine, take a shower, or perhaps catch up with some friends without being constantly interrupted. Yes, naptime is not only an important part of your toddler's life - but it plays a critical role in your own sanity as well. In order to make nap time most effective (meaning long and uninterrupted), it is important to offer plenty of stimulating and tiring activities for your toddler so when sleep time comes, they want nothing more.




Child experts agree that a toddler will sleep better if they are sufficiently tired out at naptime. Since every child has a different level of energy, it is necessary to personalize your daily routine to ensure you are meeting your child's individual needs. The best way to tire out a toddler is to offer the perfect balance of physical exercise, sunlight, and mental stimulation - all of which cause them to feel sleepy. Other factors also include your schedule with other children in your home and just how much sleep they got the night before.



As you start your day - try to offer some brain stimulating activities during the early morning hours. This way, while they eat their cereal, they are also painting, creating, playing with Play-Doh, or coloring. Be sure to incorporate some learning into the mix with the realization that the morning may offer their brightest cognitive state. Working on one letter a week and finding activities to support this letter is a fun way to get things started and jump-start their educational career.



After breakfast, think about doing something physical. You are sure to find plenty of late morning playgroups, exercise classes, or activities specifically tailored to your non-school age toddler. Many bounce houses and skating rinks host free play times void of older children, which can be exhaustive and fun for your toddler. Additionally, giving them an opportunity to play with other children their age can turn every day into a new and exciting adventure. By embarking on this adventure early in the day, you enable your toddler to put their best foot forward and get the most from their social interactions.



As playtime comes to an end, your toddler will no doubt have an appetite for some lunch as well as some bonding time with you. Allowing them to come home and play with their own toys on the living room floor (or in their room) gives them an outlet without rules and guidelines. This will also help them learn to play on their own and provides ample room for their creativity, role-play, and ideas to run wild. You may find that your toddler takes an interest in dolls, blocks or cars and can spend hours building and creating their play space. Allow this time to be random, so they won't feel constantly controlled or pushed.



As the afternoon naptime approaches, it may be a good idea to take them outside. Strolling through the back yard, walking the neighborhood, playing on their playground for just 30 minutes can help them meet their sunlight intake needs, which is a crucial part of healthy sleep habits. You will notice that your toddler begins to get sleepy all on their own - and that putting them down for a nap will be hassle free if they are already tired. Once back inside, cleaning them up - snuggling together to read a book, have a snack and enjoying some down time together can be the perfect top to a day well spent.



Make sure that you are avoiding sugary treats or drinks during the daytime so they won't be artificially stimulated which can disrupt sleep habits. Additionally, be able to remain flexible in your scheduled activities so that you don't offer too many activities which can leave a child this age, frustrated. If you make it a routine to offer both engaging and physical outlets for your child, you may just have time to tackle that laundry or take a well-deserved bubble bath.

recipe site

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/05/a-tasty-recipe-grannys-chocolate-cobbler/


Check out this yummy recipe and great recipe website! 

Goodwill

Gianna out grew all her pjs in record time and we found ourselves down to 2 pairs.  I wanted to go to Once Upon a Child to get her some more but they were closed; so I found myself at Goodwill.  I rarely shop there, no real reason just that I don't go very often.  Well I found great Carter pjs for $1!  They look and feel brand new!  I also got her a pair of jeans $1 and a cute pair of pink cord overalls for $1!  I may have found a new place for children's clothes!

How to hang pictures

http://curbly.com/alttext/posts/74-easy-photo-wall-on-a-shoestring-er-wire-budget

Check out this site for a great idea on how to hang pictures/photos.  Love it!

so sorry

Wow it has been a long time since I have posted anything.  I am sorry and will try to never go this long again! I have had a mental block of good ideas since going back to work.  I have been focusing on getting back in the groove of teaching.  I am not there yet but I guess it is getting a little easier. 

This looks yummy!

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/frozen-chocolate-souffles-106255.aspx




Frozen Chocolate "Soufflés" average rating read reviews (103)


rate this recipe prep time 10 min total time 5 hr 10 min makes 8 servings, one "soufflé" each Print RecipeAdd to My Recipe Box Send/Share Add to Shopping Listadd your photo 1 of 2 photo by: kraftrecipe by: kraftWhat You Need3 cups Milk 1 pkg. (8-serving size) or 2 pkg. (4-serving size each) JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding 2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping 16 OREO Cookies, finely chopped (about 2 cups) 8 Maraschino cherries Make It

POUR milk into medium bowl. Add dry pudding mix. Beat with wire whisk 2 min. Gently stir in whipped topping.



SPOON 2 Tbsp. of the chopped cookies into each of eight 8- to 9-oz. paper drinking cups. Cover evenly with half of the pudding mixture. Press gently with the back of a spoon to eliminate air pockets. Repeat layers. Cover with foil.



FREEZE 5 hours or until firm. Remove from freezer about 15 min. before serving. Let stand at room temperature to soften slightly. Peel away paper to unmold onto dessert plates. Top each with a cherry. Store leftovers in freezer.

Kraft Kitchens TipsHealthy LivingSave 80 calories per serving by preparing as directed with fat-free milk, JELL-0 Chocolate Fat Free Sugar Free Instant Pudding, COOL WHIP LITE Whipped Topping and Reduced Fat OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies.Variation Prepare as directed, using JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding and CHIPS AHOY! Cookies.

Fantastic website

http://www.hubbardscupboard.org/infants___toddlers.html

I was looking around online and I came across this great site filled with a ton of excellent information!  Check it out!

Cute idea for displaying child's art/pictures

Hey everyone, here is a really cute idea for displaying your kids pictures or artwork!  I am sorry I could not get the pictures from the site but here is the link to shutter fly so you can see the step by step pictures not just the directions.  You should check it out, super cute!



http://blog.shutterfly.com/4382/create-a-clothespin-photo-art-center/


Create a clothespin photo art center

by Amanda F Posted on July 30, 2010



Have you ever handed your child a camera and let them take pictures of whatever they wanted? Chances are the pictures were of the carpet, a close up of the cat’s tail, their thumb, and occasionally a cute shot of your child and their friends. No one wants to hurt their child’s feelings by not including their photographic efforts in the family photo albums, so why not create a space where their snapshots can shine?

This cute clothespin art center has multiple uses! You can use coloring pages to decorate its header, like I did, or creatively cut and trim some of those snapshots to decorate it instead. Hang the photos from the adorable crayon clothespins, and your child’s face will light up with excitement.

To make this clothespin art center, you will need:

6 wooden clothespins

24″ x 4″ wood slat

Coloring pages

Crayons

White glue

Water

Scissors

Remove the wrappers from 6 different colored crayons. I used a craft knife to cut along the seam and remove them. They will be very cylindrical, so you’ll need to flatten them. I ironed mine, but you could also press them in a heavy book overnight.

Place clothespin on top of the crayon wrapper, use a pencil to draw a faint line. Cut the crayon wrapper so that it’s just slightly smaller than the surface of the clothespin.

Mix some white glue and water together to make a decoupage mixture, then decoupage the wrapper to the clothespin.

Glue the clothespins to the wooden plank, you want about 2/3 of the clothespin on the plank, spacing them apart evenly.

Have the kids color some printables or coloring book pages. Make sure they color the background too! Cut them out, decoupage them onto the plank, only painting the back of the colored decals at this point. Don’t decoupage over the tops just yet.

Use a crayon to shade in the background, use a secondary color as well, if you wish. I used blue with touches of yellow at the top since my pictures were related to water and nature. Choose another color (I used red) to outline the border of the plank. Decoupage over the top of everything, smooth any bubbles that may pop up on your “decals”.


Cut a piece of denim to create a border for the plank. Place the plank on top of it to get an idea for the size you need to cut, mark with a pencil, and then cut. Cut two strips of denim, about an inch wide, lay them across the front of the plank. Once you have them where you want them, loosely tie a knot at the top.

Place the ends of the strips under the plank. Once everything is positioned, trim anything that needs trimming, then cover the back of the plank with white glue. Press down onto the denim and let dry. Adjust the knot at the top, tie into a bow and trim ends.

Hang!

Crafts by Amanda

For Teachers

Hey Teachers out there.....did you know you can get a discount at Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, J. Crew and the Limited!  So exciting!  Happy Shopping!

The only people you need in your life is the one that need you in theirs. Don't make someone a priority if they only make you an option !

Thoughts

So my blog followers, I start work next week.  I am devastate and a mess.  I love the life I have created with my daughter at home and the new friendships that have formed.  I don't want to give up my time with my daughter for a job that is not fulfilling.  For those of you that work, how do you do it?  I know it would help if I loved and missed my job but I can honestly say I don't and I haven't.  I wish everything could stay the was it was.  I cherish the months that I have been with her and I know I am lucky to have spent as much time with her as I have.  I had a child to be with my child!  When I was younger I also knew I would be a stay at home mom, my main reason for getting a degree in Early Childhood was to be an educated stay at home mom.  I wanted to know what I was doing, that was my plan that was my goal.  I have to give it up for so many reasons that would create their own blog! Where my life is now is not where I thought it would be.  Aspects of it I am happier than I could have ever imagined and other aspects have me more sad and hurt than I ever thought possible.  How can that be?  I am living the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows and I hate it.  I want the highs all the time.  Is that to much to ask?

How to name your child?!

Did you know how these two countries chose the names for their babies?!?!

Germany
You need government approval before naming your child.  and officials can veto monikers that don't clearly indicate the baby's sex (like Sam), also names that could subject your baby to teasing and harm can receive a veto!

Ukraine
Many in this country leave naming the baby up to the priest.  Parents can suggest ideas but the priest gets the final say at the ceremony eight days after the birth!

Help kids with cancer

Help kids with cancer by showing your support

Buy a product designed by a pediatric cancer patient from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center's Children Art Project Catalog

Childrensart.org


*the picture that was with this website is of the cutest stuffed lion!  Check them out!  I know I am!

odor eater

Once again from Parents magazine one reader gave the idea of putting a spoonful of ground coffee in the liner of the diaper bin.  This helps it stop smelling.  She says that Hazelnut flavor coffee works the best! 

smart snack

In my Parents mag they say this smart snack for kids but I think it is good for adults as well!

This is for the after-dinner snack.  Let your child (or you) "decorate" a cup of yogurt with bright-colored sprinkles!  YUM!!

SMORES CUPCAKES!!!!

http://kelleyskitchenrevival.blogspot.com/2010/07/smores-cupcakes-four-ways.html



Oh my goodness I think I died and went to heaven!

Parenting Quotes

I am a quote person, here are some quotes I just found about parenting:

*When you have brought up kids, there are memories you store directly in your tear ducts. ~Robert Brault,

*Parenthood: That state of being better chaperoned than you were before marriage. ~Marcelene Cox


*Your children need your presence more than your presents. ~Jesse Jackson


*It's not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can't tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself. ~Joyce Maynard


*Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you. ~Robert Fulghum

*Parents often talk about the younger generation as if they didn't have anything to do with it. ~Haim Ginott


*The trouble with learning to parent on the job is that your child is the teacher. ~Robert Brault
*It kills you to see them grow up. But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn't. ~Barbara Kingsolver, Animal Dreams


*The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable. ~Lane Olinghouse


*If there is anything that we wish to change in the child, we should first examine it and see whether it is not something that could better be changed in ourselves. ~C.G. Jung, Integration of the Personality, 1939

*Too often we give children answers to remember rather than problems to solve. ~Roger Lewin


*Simply having children does not make mothers. ~John A. Shedd

*Although there are many trial marriages... there is no such thing as a trial child. ~Gail Sheehy

*There are two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots. The other is wings. ~Hodding Carter, Jr.


*A parent's love is whole no matter how many times divided. ~Robert Brault,

*You will always be your child's favorite toy. ~Vicki Lansky, Trouble-Free Travel with Children, 1991


*What a child doesn't receive he can seldom later give. ~P.D. James, Time to Be in Earnest

*If you want your children to improve, let them overhear the nice things you say about them to others. ~Haim Ginott

*There is only one pretty child in the world, and every mother has it. ~Chinese Proverb

*The guys who fear becoming fathers don't understand that fathering is not something perfect men do, but something that perfects the man. The end product of child raising is not the child but the parent. ~Frank Pittman, Man Enough

*If I had my child to raise all over again,

I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I'd finger-paint more, and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging and less tugging.
~Diane Loomans, from "If I Had My Child To Raise Over Again"

*Whenever I held my newborn baby in my arms, I used to think that what I said and did to him could have an influence not only on him but on all whom he met, not only for a day or a month or a year, but for all eternity - a very challenging and exciting thought for a mother. ~Rose Kennedy


*Insanity is hereditary - you get it from your kids. ~Sam Levenson


*When you teach your son, you teach your son's son. ~The Talmud


*A child enters your home and for the next twenty years makes so much noise you can hardly stand it. The child departs, leaving the house so silent you think you are going mad. ~John Andrew Holmes


*The trouble with being a parent is that by the time you are experienced, you are unemployed. ~Author Unknown


*The trouble with having a stubbornness contest with your kids is that they have your stubbornness gene. ~Robert Brault, www.robertbrault.com

*You have a lifetime to work, but children are only young once. ~Polish Proverb


*You don't really understand human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around - and why his parents will always wave back. ~William D. Tammeus


*Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ~Elizabeth Stone

*Always kiss your children goodnight - even if they're already asleep. ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Jammin' at the Zoo

Last night we went to Jammin' at the Zoo!  It was fantastic!  The band started playing at 5:00 and went until 7:00.  You can bring in your own food and drinks if you would like!  We stayed and listened for awhile but then we walked around!  There were so many animals out and the zoo was not as crowded as it normally is!  It was a blast and I can't wait to do it again!  Here is a link to the zoo's website so you can check it out!
http://www.stlzoo.org/

all you

I receive a magazine called All You!  It is filled with recipes and lots of coupons!  Check it out!  Here is the website so you can see what it is all about!

http://www.allyou.com

child's drink labels

Gianna will soon be going to a sitter and I found these great drink labels for her bottles and cups.  inchbug.com is the website I went to and made the order!  Here is a 10% off code 831par10

I am looking forward to getting the order in the mail!

poop bags

I have been meaning to post this for awhile but you know how life gets tricky! 

The bags they sell in the baby aisle for changing dirty diapers on the go are way more expensive than the poop bags in the dog section.  THEY ARE THE SAME THING!!!  So skip the baby aisle and head to the pet section, if your house is like mine you feel like that is where you belong anyways!  ;)  Have a great Monday!

Window markers

Crayola has window markers!  They are so much fun!  You can use Windex to clean it off when you are ready for a change!

bubble blower

I just got a great bubble blower at Target!  It was on sale for only $5!  It blows a ton of bubbles; LOVE IT!!!!

Smores

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/fireside-smores/a251fd5e-e5f8-4123-9b78-9b1dc57c9076?WT.mc_id=partner_facebook_Bettycrocker


Here are some YUMMY ideas for smores!!!!  I LOVE THEM!

cute lunch idea!

http://susanyuen.wordpress.com/2010/07/05/simple-turkey-and-cheddar-flower-biscuit-bento-106/


Check out this cute lunch idea!  I want some!!

How to store all the bows!

With having a baby girl I needed a way to store the huge flowers I put on her hats.  So I bought a wooden letter G and hung a ribbon from it!  This gave me a place to store her beautiful garden!  ;)

Tylenol recall expanded

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38151959/ns/health-more_health_news/

The tylenol recall has been expanded.  Check out this website for more information!

More songs!

Gianna and I went to story time at our library and they gave us a list of songs!  YAY!!

*Ten Little Fingers
1 little, 2 little, 3 little fingers, 4 little, 5 little, 6 little fingers, 7 little, 8 little, 9 little fingers, 10 fingers on my hand!

10 little, 9 little, 8 little fingers, 7 little, 6 little, 5 little fingers, 4 little, 3 little 2 little fingers, 1 finger on my hand!


*EEntsy, Weentsy Spider
The eentsy, weentsy spider, climber up the waterspout.
Down came the rain and washed the spider out
Out came the sun and dried up all the rain
And the eentsy, weentsy spider, climbed up the spout again!

*Teddy Bear Rhyme
Round and round the garden, like a Teddy Bear (gently trace finger in a circle around the child's palm) One step, two step (walk your fingers up child's arm) Tickle you under there! (tickle under chin)

*Wiggle your Fingers (tune: Row Row Row your Boat)
Wiggle wiggle wiggle your fingers, wiggle them up and down.
Wiggle them fast, wiggle them slow. Wiggle them all around!

Clap clap clap your hands, clap them up and down.
Clap them fast. Clap them slow. Clap them all around.

Stomp stomp stomp your feet, stomp them up and down
Stomp them fast stomp them slow. Stomp them all around!

Clorox clean

http://www.clorox.com/healthier_lives/new_moms/

Here is a link to Clorox's website with cleaning tips for moms. 

4th of July

Any chance I get to make cupcakes I do!  These are just regular white cake mix with homemade cream cheese icing!  I love this icing and it is super easy to make.  2 packs of cream cheese and 2 cups of powder sugar.  To make the coloring I used blueberry jelly for the blue and strawberry for the red.  They were yummy!

Bed time routine

I am interested in other people's bed time routine.  The routine I have with Gianna could use some help!  First I know somewhere around 8 she will go to sleep.  I usually wait for her cue which is cuddling, rubbing the eyes, yawning.  Then I sing a little bit of the song Goodnight Sweetheart, then hugs and kisses and the last step she is placed in the crib.  Before I leave her room I turn on her Sleep Sheep to the ocean sound and then creep out.  Most of the time it takes only a couple minutes for her to head off to dreamland! 

So let us know, how do you put your little angel to bed?

This is how my little angel sleeps! 

Yum

Gianna is on a kick of only wanting to feed herself.  So I was thinking about how I can still get the fruits and veggies in her that I had made.  Pancakes have become a huge fav in our house so I added some of the frozen Mango to the mix.  She got her fruit and a yummy treat!  I have also read that you can use the baby food as spreads on bread that your little ones can pick up!  Have fun getting messy!  ;)

More words to songs

* Sleep O'Sleep
Sleep, o' sleep
my darling baby.
Bye o' bye o'
Bye o' bye o'

*Ring Your Bell
(sung to If You're Happy and You Know It)
Ring your bell in the air, in the air.
Ring your bell in the air, in the air
Ring your bell in the air,
for you haven't got a care.
Ring your bell in the air, in the air

*Jingle Bells
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to play
an instrument today!

*Let's All Play
(to: Barney is a Dinosaur)
Let's all play an instrument.
Let's all play it LOUDLY
Let's all play an instrument and
put it on our HEADS
(play it softly, fast, slow, etc
and put it on various body parts)

*Frere Jacques
Frere Jacques, Frere Jacques
Dormez vous? Dormez vous?
Sonnez les matines; sonnez les matines.
Din, din, don. Din, din, don

*Brother John
(to: Frere Jacques)
Are you sleeping
Are you sleeping
Brother John
Brother John
Morning bells are ringing
morning bells are ringing
Ding ding dong. Ding ding dong

*We Love Grandmas
(to: frere Jacques)
We love Grandmas
We love Grandmas
Yes, we do
Yes, we do
Grandmas are for hugging.
Grandmas are for hugging.
We love you, Yes we do
(you can also use, Daddy, Sister,etc

* Where is Baby
(to: Frere Jacques)
Where is Baby (you can also use your child's name)
Where is baby
There (s)he is.
There (s)he is
I'm so glad to see you
I'm so glad to see you
I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU!

*Noble Duke
The noble Duke of York
He had 10.000 men
He marched them up to the top of the hill
and marched them down again
And when you're up you're up
and when you're down you're down
and when you're only halfway up,
you're neither up nor down.
He marched them to the left.
He marched them to the right
He marched them all the way upside down
Oh what a silly sight!
(bounce the baby on your knees according the the song)

*Ha Ha This Way
OHHHHHHHHHH
Ha ha this away, Ha ha that away
Ha ha this away all day long
Here we go a-clapping, a-clapping, a-clapping
Here we go a-clapping all day long
(waving, bouncing, etc)

*Where Oh Where
(to:Paw Paw Patch)
Where oh where is little baby
Where oh where is little baby
Where oh where is little baby
They've come to boogie with us today!

Tidy outdoor toys!

I don't know if you ladies are like me and the amount of toys have taken over the indoors and now the outdoors!  I was reading in Parent mag and they had some ideas on the outdoor toy drama!

*Sort the small stuff - Give the little items (wipes, sunscreen, and goggles) a home in a vinyl over-the-door shoe organizer.  Don't forget to poke holes in the bottom of each pocket so the water can drain out.  You can then hang it from your deck or fence!

*Put it out to dry - Store water and sand toys in a laundry basket so the kids can carry it where ever you are going!  Plus, the holes help things dry out and shake off the dirt easily!

*Round up the balls - Turn a lidded garbage can into a custom container for sports equipment and playground balls.  Label it with outdoor paint so everyone knows it is for toys not trash!

*Park your ride - Use strips of colored duct tape to mark off parking spots on the pavement for bikes and trikes.  You can personalize spaces by adding your kid's initial in the center. 
                 (my own note, I don't know is duct tape would leave a sticky spot when taken up.  I would   
                   think you could use sidewalk chalk to draw it out and decorate.  It won't last as long but it
                   would be fun!)

*Hang it up - Position a freestanding coat rack outside so wet towels and bathing suits can have a place to drip dry.

Frozen Yogurt

Check out this idea I got from Wholesomefoods.com I want to do this for me!!!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=6240455&id=300954305978

Sorry it would not let me copy the picture.  If you click on the link it will take to you to the pictures.  What they did was take a little yogurt cup and stick a Popsicle stick in it, without taking off the foil lid.  Then put it in the freezer.  Once frozen you have a yummy cold treat on a stick!  Sounds fantastic!!!

http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/news/?p=1282  I found the directions from the woman who came up with this great idea!  Click here to read just how she came up with the idea.

gift

Gianna and I made this for my father and we made a bigger one for my husband for father's day.  It was not very expensive but priceless all the same.  We got the kit for the stepping stone from Michael's.  This will be a tradition we do for my husband every year for this special day!

Some great ideas from Parents Mag

* To get a child to drink water add some watermelon slices or orange segments to the pitcher.  This makes the water sweeter than juice with a lot less sugar.

* If you child hates having his sticky hands cleaned after eating. wipe down the tray and pour a little water on it.  Your child will have a blast splashing around and his hands will get clean without a fuss!

*Teach your child to pull up on the triangle flaps on the sides of juice boxes so you can use them as holders.  When your child grabs those "handles" juice is not squeezed out of the box. 

* To help your child learn to tie their shoes. Thread the shoe with 2 different colored laces.  It is much easier to understand what is happening, and to do it themselves, when practicing with contrasting colors. 

MIL website

http://www.motherinlawstories.com/

Here is a website that you can read or write stories that deal with Mother In Laws or any family members.  There are some good ones on here! 

Dad Blogs for Father's Day

Since it is Father's Day here are some Blogs for the Dads to check out!

*Daddy Dialectic
This blog is by Jeremy Adam Smith.  He is a creative-writing Lecturer and author of the Daddy Shift.  It is a smart, thoughtful site with many good writers.
daddy-dialectic.blogspot.com

*Dads and Daughters
Founder Joe Kelly knows that dads are at a disadvantage when it comes to daughters.  They have no experience of having once been a girl.
dadsanddaughters.blogspot.com

*Dadcentric
The bios for the creators, such as, founder Jason Avant, make them seem like the rowdiest row at a Cubs game. But their postings are filled with heart and detail about the profound and the mundane.
dadcentric.com

*Dadwagon
It looks and reads a little better than most blogs-perhaps because it's penned by four magazine writers, including Matt Gross.  Sample topic: Should bars let you bring in your baby?
dadwagon.com

*Dadtalk
This was created by former Los Angeles Times systems analyst Brett Levy.  He blogs about life as a dad and comments on news stories that tough on intriguing parents topics.
dadtalk.typepad.com

Words to kid's songs

I don't know about you guys but there are some kid's songs out there that I make up my own words or just hum.  Neither one of those things are bad but just frustrating for me!  So I found some words to common songs and some remakes of song we love!

*Little Mouse
There was a little mouse. (creep up leg)
He was looking for a house. (creep up tummy)
And there it was!!!!  (tickle under chin)


*Mommy Takes Good Care of Me
(to: Mary Had a Little Lamb)
Mommy takes good care of me,
care of me, care of me.
Mommy takes good care of me, becuase she loves me so!
(you can also do Grandma, Daddy, etc)



*Pop Goes the Weasel
All around the cobbler's bench
The monkey chased the weasel
The monkey says it's all in fun
POP!! Goes the weasel



*My Baby's Up So High
My baby's up so high.
My baby's up so high.
Oh my, just watch him fly.
My baby's up so high.
My baby's down so low
My baby's down so low
Oh no, just watch her go,
My baby's down so low


*Patty Cake
Patty cake, patty cake baker's man
Bake me a cake as fast as you can.
Pat it and prick it and mark it with a "B"
And put it in the oven for (Baby) and me!


* Hickory Dickory Dock
Hickory Dickory Dock (clap 3 times)
The mouse ran up the clock
(run fingers up baby's arm)
The clock struck one (clap once)
The mouse ran down
(run fingers down baby's arm)
Hickory Dickory Dock (clap 3 times)



* Jack Be Nimble
Jack be nimble, Jack be quick
Jack jump over the candlestick


*Baby Be Nimble
(calling child back game)
Baby be nimble
Baby be quick
I need a hug....
Quick quick quick!


*Love you forever
(Refrain)
I love you forever. I like you for always
As long as I'm living my baby you'll be
(La-la verse after this)

flash cards

Today I made Gianna some flash cards.  I used pictures of animals that we have seen at the Zoo, Grant's Farm, and other places.  I taped them to a cut up cereal box and wrote the name underneath.  In the picture I made them so they would stand up, I think I will end up cutting them apart so they are flat soon.  I need to take more pictures!  ;)

Please excuse my finger in the upper corner!  Oops! 

In this picture it shows some of the other cards I have made with facial features.  Gianna and I look at them for short times ever so often.  She love looking at faces.  Don't forget when you look at the mouth or nose cards to point to your child's mouth and nose!

battery acid

I have a bubble blower that has been around for years.  Well when I got it out this morning I realized a battery has corroded the inside.  So I looked was to clean it on line.  I found that if you use baking soda and water mixture to clean it first then soap and water.  I also read that a cola soda will clean it up as well.  So here goes nothing!

No cook menu

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/holidays-and-entertaining/entertaining/summer-center/everyday-summer-recipes/nocookmenu.aspx


Here is a link to Kraft's website for a list of no cook ideas!  I thought these sounded great for the hot days of summer! 

changing table

For Gianna's changing table I used a little antique dresser that was in my room as a child.  So needless to say it was not meant to be a changing table and there was no way I was going to put holes in it to attach the changing pad.  So to keep the pad in place I cut a piece of what you use under rugs to keep them from moving, and put it under the pad.  The pad does not move and the dresser is still in good shape! 

slimy baby pool

http://www.edubook.com/natural-ways-to-clean-a-kiddie-pool/20158/

Gianna's baby pool is slimy so I need to clean it.  I try and change the water often but it has been rainy so now it is slimy!  I found this website that talked about a non chemical way to clean.  I am looking for something to put in the water that will let it last longer.  No such luck yet.  If you know something please comment and let me know!

edges of table

I recently acquired a table for Gianna that was my nephew's.  Gianna loves it because it is low so she can stand and play with balls on the top.  I was concerned about the edges of the table since they are hard.  So I was thinking I can use swim noodles to cover them!  I cut down one side of the noodle and slipped it over the edge!  The noodles fit snug over the lip of the top so now Gianna's little forehead is protected!

Under the table her toy bins fit!  So now Gianna can reach whatever toy she wants to get!  She is so proud of herself when she can choose and get to what she wants!  Love it!  Who knew I would be happy to have a living room that is solely a playroom!  Man a baby changes everything!  :)

Toddler Truffles

I was looking around the Internet for some new foods for Gianna.  This recipe would be great for a treat of a child over a year, but I thought it looked yummy!  So I put it on the blog so I will have it for later!  ;)  If you make these comment on how they turn out!

Toddler Truffles
from the cookbook The Toddler Cafe

They look like chocolate, taste like cookies, but shhh! These sweet treats are actually made from fiber-rich black beans! (Bake them in secrecy and tell them it's mommy's magic ingredient. We won't spill the beans! )



1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained

½ cup sugar

½ cup brown sugar, packed

½ cup finely chopped nuts

4 tbsp butter at room temperature

½ tsp baking powder

pinch of salt

2 eggs

powdered sugar for dusting



Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray or butter an 8X8 inch pan, set aside

In large, deep bowl, combine the beans, sugars, nuts, butter, baking powder and salt. Using a stick blender or food processor, start to work the ingredients around. When they are fully blended, add the eggs and blend to combine. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.

Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until firm and the edges get slightly crisp. Cool and cut into small cubes, or take a spoon and gently roll into small balls with your palms. Dust with powdered sugar.

Store for up to 5 days in the fridge.

backyard

I forgot to post this idea!  Once it started getting warmer I wanted to have Gianna outside playing but our patio is concrete!  That would hurt her knees!  So I put the padded squares that you can get a Lowes, Target, but I found them the cheapest at Sams.  Her knees are saved not to mention my butt from having to sit out there with her!  ;)  Since this picture I have added another 8 squares so her area is even bigger!  Summer is so much fun!

Thinking of the soldiers

If you are looking for something different to do this fourth of July think about the soldiers.  I found an address where you can send your letters that you and maybe your party goers write this 4th for the soldiers over seas.  Bundle them up and send them to Operation Gratitude, 17330 Victory Boulevard, Van Nuys CA 91406

Keep the bugs away

While reading Better Homes and Garden I came across this tip for keeping ants away from your picnic table.  Put each table leg in a shallow bowl of water, the pests can't make the climb!  Who knew!!  Another trick is to sprinkle talcum powder on the grass around your picnic!  Hope this helps!

moment

This is only a moment not the rest of your life.  - unknown

I have had this saying on my bathroom mirror for almost a year now.  I put it up to remind me that I could get through the last stages of pregnancy.  Time passes and is short.  Now it means to enjoy every min because time goes to fast!  It is funny how the meaning of a saying can change by just a few short months.  Pregnant I wanted time to move fast, now I want it to stand still so I can enjoy every second. 

new use for bumper

I have a fireplace that is marble, I do not want Gianna to hit her face/face/body on it. Well I was brainstorming ways to cover it and came up with the bumper from the crib. I never put the bumper in the crib because of SIDS so it was not being used. The bumper is the perfect height to stand up next to the fireplace the folded in half so the other half is on top of base. I don't think I am describing it well so I included a picture.

I recently stitched the 2 pieces together so there is no hole down the center. 

When the slip n slide breaks

When the slip n slide has seen its last day cut off the strip with the holes and recycle it to be a sprinkler in your garden. The water from the holes does not drown the plants, plus the flexible design makes it easy to roll up!

drinking from a glass

Here is an idea to help little ones learn how to drink from a glass. If you us a shot glass it is easier for the little hands to handle and only holds a little amount of liquid. Something to think about.

A fun shopping site

6pm.com

I was reading in allyou and they listed a website called 6pm.com It is a site that has all kinds of different items for sale! I have not bought anything from this site but it was a lot of fun looking at all the designer items!

Mesh baby safe feeder

Gianna loves to chew with her mesh feeder. You know the mesh thing you can put fruit in and they mush it up. Well I put ice in it for Gianna, she loves the hard and cold against hre sore gums. Last night I put some grapes in the freezer so she is sucking on those today! I know her poor teeth are really bugging her!

iced coffee

I don't know about you guys but I am a huge fan of iced coffee in the summer. I hate, however, the watery mess you get at the bottom of your glass. So I froze some leftover coffee in ice cube trays and now I use that as ice in my glass!! No more water downed coffee! YUM!!!!

Milestones

This past week Gianna has started pulling herself up to the standing position and also trying to walk around objects. She is only 6 1/2 months old so I am a little concerned (in a great way) that we had to lower the crib because she was trying to climb out! So I found a list of Milestones that I thought was handy. I thought you might as well!


Baby Milestones
By the editors of Parenting magazine, Parenting


Baby Milestone Checklist
Baby Milestone Checklist - Parenting.com

10 Essential Baby Milestones
See if your baby is hitting each mark on time - Parenting.com

Is Your Baby Smiling?
How to tell if it's a grin - or just gas - Parenting.com It's a thrill for parents, seeing the first time their baby smiles, grabs, rolls over, and progresses through the whole range of developmental milestones. What are these milestones and when do babies reach them? And how can you tell if your child is just a late bloomer or is actually delayed? Read on.

The 9 major physical milestones

Smiling (8 weeks)
Your baby has an adorable grin, but your husband says, "That's just gas." Is he right? It depends on how old your little grinner is. An infant can't produce what's called a social smile until about 8 weeks. It takes that long for his nervous system and vision to develop enough to see you and produce a smile in response.

Smiling is a baby's first social skill -- he's picking up on how relationships work -- as well as a signal of emotional growth. Your baby is showing you he can distinguish between different emotional states; he's aware that the happy feeling he gets when he sees you isn't the same as the sad feeling he has when you're not around.

Rolling over (2 or 3 months)
During tummy time (which you should supervise), your baby may lift herself into a push-up position and then start to rock back and forth or kick her feet. Then, if she's strong enough, those movements will send her rolling over. (She may get startled and cry the first time!) Flipping from back to front often takes until around 5 months because it requires more coordination and strength. You don't need to coach your baby to roll, though; just make sure she has a safe place to try it out if she wants to.


Grabbing (3 or 4 months)
After the first few months, babies begin to gauge where things are in space, and they can plan an action, such as grabbing a pacifier. By simply dropping something and picking it up, your baby's learning that he can manipulate things with his hands, and he's learning more details about how his toys work. He can make the rattle produce a sound, for instance, which teaches him cause and effect. Being able to grab things means he can engage more in play -- whether by himself or with you.

Hugging (5 months)
Your baby will quickly learn to hug Mom, Dad, and other people she's comfortable around -- as well as her stuffed gorilla, the cat, and anything else she adores -- by watching others hug and getting hugged herself.

Not all babies are wild about hugging, though. Some are naturally more affectionate, while others are just too busy exploring their environment to stop for a cuddle. So try not to take it personally if your baby isn't wrapping her arms around you. She might be more receptive to physical affection before naps, at bedtime, or while you're looking at a book together.

Playing peekaboo (6 months)
What is it about this game that makes your baby crack up no matter how many times you play? When a baby understands the concept of object permanence -- that even though he can't see your face, it's still there behind your hands or his blankie -- he gets a thrill from knowing that at any minute your smiling face will pop back into view.

A few months later, he'll be able to play along by hiding himself. How to increase the fun:

1. Sit close enough that your baby can see your eyes. It'll keep him focused on what you're doing.

2. Ask, "Where's Mommy?" Your voice will reassure him that you're still there.

3. Vary the length of time you're hiding and play with the tone of your voice to make the game more stimulating for him (and less monotonous for you!).

Sitting up (8 months)
Once your baby has enough balance, arm strength, and head, neck, and lower-body control, she'll be able to sit up and take in a whole new world. At this point, her improving eyesight will allow her to see objects outside her direct line of vision -- and she'll try to pull herself up to get a better look.

At first, she won't be able to sit up for long on her own and may need to put out her hand for balance. To motivate your baby to sit well, dangle or set her favorite toy in front of her, then slowly move it from side to side to encourage her to reach for the toy and rely solely on her torso and legs for balance. She'll be sitting without help in no time!

Crawling (6 to 10 months)
Now that your baby's sitting up by himself, it won't be long before he's looking to broaden his horizons. He'll probably start by repositioning himself, from sitting to being on all fours. Then he'll test his arms: When he figures out that they can support him, off he'll go. Some babies start to move without doing the typical hands-and-knees crawl. Yours might shuffle across the floor on his bottom, slither on his belly, or even roll. To encourage him, clear some space. Then place things he likes (including yourself) just out of reach. And be sure to keep him safe by childproofing the house. Take a tour on your hands and knees, and remove anything your baby shouldn't get into.

Pulling up (8 months)
Until now, your baby has depended on you to help her get up on her feet. But at around 8 months, her torso and leg muscles will be strong enough for her to stand up on her own. It's also when she'll realize that she can: Her confidence has been boosted by her ability to roll over, sit up on her own, and crawl.

At first, she'll look for things to pull up on -- the side of the crib, the arm of the sofa, your leg -- so be sure to remove objects that aren't safe or sturdy enough for support, or that have sharp edges she can fall on. And while she may not need to grab your fingers to get up anymore, she won't know how to bend her knees to sit until she's about 10 or 12 months.

Walking (10 to 18 months)
First steps represent a huge developmental leap. Walking requires muscle strength, coordination, balance -- and a certain level of emotional maturity, too. After all, when you're crawling, your center of gravity is just a few inches off the ground. To walk you need to have a bit more confidence. That's why some beginning walkers are content to cruise along the furniture for weeks. The more eager hike away and never look back.

On the most basic level, walking frees up your child's hands to carry items while he moves about independently. By incorporating everything he's learned from all the other milestones -- about space, objects, and people -- he can now bring you things. This turns a purely physical skill into a game, as well as a rich social interaction. For instance: He comes over to you with his little toy duck and you say, "Thank you." You quack a few times (to his delight), and then he takes his duck away and you say, "Bye-bye, duck."


What influences your child's development?
Temperament
Some kids are daredevils: the first to climb onto the coffee table to see out the window and -- later -- the first to jump off the diving board. They're frequently the ones who walk early. More cautious kids often want to know they can do something well before they do it all.

Natural strengths
Think of your own family -- is there one person who's particularly good at writing or loves to build things? Individual fortes can show up as early as age 1, so a child who talks early may well end up being a talented writer or orator. This doesn't mean that children who are late bloomers in these areas won't thrive in them eventually, though.

Siblings
Kids with an older sib often reach milestones sooner than expected because they push themselves to keep up. On the flip side, having an older sibling may also mean that milestones come late -- if, for instance, a child has an older brother or sister who gets his toys for him rather than letting him get them himself. So sometimes you'll need to act as a referee, reminding your older child to let his brother try things by himself or not to push him too hard to do something he's not ready for yet.

Premature birth
Babies born early often take longer than others to reach milestones, but by age 2 they usually catch up to their peers. In fact, pediatricians say that when gauging a preemie's development, parents should begin counting from the child's due date, not from his birth date. So a child born three months early should be expected to reach at 6 months the milestones of a 3-month-old.


Signs of developmental delays
Most of the time, kids who are slow to develop in one area catch up just fine. But sometimes late milestones can signal a problem. The warning signs:

* Your child is delayed in more than one area. For instance, she's 15 months old and hasn't uttered a word or taken a step, and she seems to be wrapped up in her own world, or she doesn't turn to look at you when you enter a room or say her name.

* The delay is two months or more from the norm. He's 17 months old and not walking, or he's 7 months and hasn't smiled yet.

* Your child doesn't seem to understand or respond when you talk. Somewhere between 8 and 12 months, most babies will point to their favorite stuffed animal if you ask them where it is, or at least look in the right direction. By 12 to 15 months, they'll begin to respond to simple verbal requests: If you ask a typical 1-year-old to bring you her shoe, she will.




Easing your worries
Milestones are often a source of stress for new moms, particularly if they focus too much on checking off items on a development chart rather than simply enjoying the glorious journey of their child's growth. How to stop the worries:

Back away from the computer. Fueled by Internet searches, your mind can travel down all sorts of frightening pathways if your baby is not hitting his milestone markers. But the truth is that "normal" has very broad parameters.

Stop comparing your baby to others. There is no indication that minor variations in the achievement of milestones have any relationship to later abilities or disabilities. So just because your friend's little achiever rolls over sooner than your baby doesn't mean your kid is less advanced.

Seek help in extreme cases. A mild delay in one area of development is generally not a cause for concern, but if it's coupled with other delays, talk to your doctor. Also, let your pediatrician know when there's a lag of more than a few months in any area of development.




Summary
Your baby's first year is full of wonderful surprises -- for him and for you. Try not to worry about whether he's smiling, crawling, or walking "on time," and offer him gentle encouragement. And most of all, enjoy the ride!